Rare Balblair Vintage 1989 – 2nd Release – 21 Years Old – Bottled 2010 – 43% – 70cl – Original Presentation Box Offered for sale is a beautiful and increasingly collectible vintage bottling from the historic Scottish Highland distillery Balblair. The Balblair Vintage 1989 – 2nd Release was distilled in 1989 and bottled in 2010, after approximately 21 years of maturation in oak casks. This exceptional Single Malt Scotch Whisky represents the second release of the 1989 vintage and belongs to Balblair's former Vintage Collection, a series that has since been discontinued. Matured in American oak casks, this whisky offers a beautifully balanced combination of rich fruit, warm spices, sweet toffee, vanilla and subtle leathery notes. Bottled at 43% ABV with natural colour, it preserves the elegant, fruit-driven character for which Balblair has long been celebrated. A particular highlight is the original luxury presentation box, designed in an elegant fold-out book style, featuring historical illustrations, detailed distillery information and the original tasting notes. The original Balblair Vintage Collection booklet is also included. An attractive collector's bottle for enthusiasts of mature Highland Single Malts and discontinued vintage releases. Official Tasting Notes The following tasting notes are based on the original Balblair descriptions printed inside the presentation box. Appearance: Subtle amber with delicate rose-gold highlights. Nose: A full-bodied and expressive malt offering inviting aromas of raisins, crisp green apples and subtle hints of banana and lemon. Maturation in American oak casks introduces warm notes of toffee and fragrant vanilla, complemented by delicate fruity and spicy undertones. Palate: Rich and beautifully balanced, with pronounced raisin and fruit flavours accompanied by a warming, complex spiciness. The natural sweetness of the oak provides additional depth, while the whisky retains the elegant character typical of Balblair's vintage expressions. Finish: Long, complex and exceptionally smooth. Lingering fruit notes combine with gentle oak spices and subtle sweetness, creating a refined and harmonious conclusion. Whisky Specifications • Distillery: Balblair • Country: Scotland • Region: Northern Highlands • Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky • Vintage: 1989 • Edition: 2nd Release • Distilled: 1989 • Bottled: 2010 • Age: Approximately 21 years • Alcohol Strength: 43% ABV • Cask Type: American oak casks • Colour: Natural colour • Bottling: Official distillery bottling • Collection: Discontinued Balblair Vintage Collection • Bottle Size: 70cl / 700ml • Presentation: Original luxury fold-out presentation box • Additional Item: Original Balblair Vintage Collection booklet • Country of Production: Scotland The History of Balblair Distillery Founded in 1790 by John Ross, Balblair is one of Scotland's oldest operating whisky distilleries. Situated in Edderton in the Northern Highlands, close to the picturesque Dornoch Firth, the distillery has produced exceptional Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky for more than two centuries. Balblair is renowned for its elegant, fruit-forward whisky style, combining natural sweetness, delicate spice and carefully balanced oak maturation. One of the distillery's most distinctive traditions was its philosophy of releasing whiskies according to their distillation vintage rather than simply their age. Instead of bottling whisky at predetermined ages, Balblair selected individual casks when they had reached what the distillery considered their optimal maturity. Each year, Distillery Manager John MacDonald carefully evaluated the maturing stocks, selecting casks that best represented the character and quality of Balblair. The Vintage 1989 – 2nd Release is a fine example of this philosophy, showcasing the character of a mature Highland Single Malt from the distillery's celebrated former Vintage Collection. Today, the original vin tage bottlings are of particular interest to collectors and whisky enthusiasts who appreciate Balblair's earlier releases. Original Luxury Presentation Box The whisky comes with its distinctive original Balblair presentation box, featuring an elegant red-and-black landscape design. The box opens like a book, revealing the bottle in a fitted cream-coloured display compartment. The interior contains historical information about the distillery and the surrounding Scottish Highlands, including the ancient Pictish standing stone known as Clach Biorach, which inspired elements of Balblair's identity and design. The presentation also includes the original tasting notes and background information about the 1989 vintage. The accompanying Balblair Vintage Collection booklet provides additional information about the distillery's unique vintage philosophy. Together, the bottle, presentation box and booklet form an attractive collector's display. Condition and Collector's Information The bottle is offered with its original presentation box and accompanying booklet, as shown in the photographs. The black capsule and original labels are present. The rear label also carries an Australian importer's sticker. The bottle and packaging may show minor signs of age, handling or storage. Please carefully examine the detailed photographs, which form an integral part of the item description. This vintage release is no longer part of Balblair's current core range, making it an interesting addition to a collection of discontinued Scottish Single Malt Whiskies. Included in the sale: • One Balblair Vintage 1989 – 2nd Release, 70cl • Original fold-out presentation box • Original Balblair Vintage Collection booklet Important Information • Natural variations in fill level may occur due to age and storage. • Any customs duties, import taxes or additional charges in the destination country are the responsibility of the buyer. • The item is sold exactly as photographed and described. • All information is provided to the best of my knowledge. Private Sale / Legal Disclaimer This is a private sale. The item is sold with all statutory liability for material defects excluded to the extent permitted by applicable law. No voluntary warranty, returns or exchanges are offered. The item is sold as photographed and described. By purchasing this item, the buyer acknowledges these conditions, subject to applicable mandatory consumer protection laws. Collection is at the buyer's own risk. Age Restriction: Alcohol must not be sold to anyone under the legal purchasing age. By purchasing this item, the buyer confirms that they are at least 18 years old and legally permitted to purchase alcoholic beverages. Thank you for your interest and happy bidding!